Aptar: ‘Flexible stand-up pouches are one of the fastest-growing formats in F&B packaging’

By Jenny Eagle+Jenny EAGLE01-Sep-20172017-09-01T00:00:00ZLast updated on 01-Sep-2017 at 12:56 GMT2017-09-01T12:56:55Z

On-the-go consumption, lightweight packaging and tamper evident closures are some of the highlights Aptar will exhibit at drinktec.

To keep up-to-date with customers' demand for lightweight packaging the company has developed UNO, a one piece sport closure leveraging the success of its Original sport closure.

Light Original 30/25mm

It is suitable for cold and ambient filling and was already available worldwide in 28mm PCO 1881 and is now available in a 38mm neck finish.

To improve packaging recyclability, Aptar has also developed a silicone for valves, the Swimming Silicone compatible with the PET recycling stream thanks to its density below 1g.

The firm continues to expand its most famous range, the Original family – launching a Light Original 30/25mm neck finish which is a lighter and a more optimized version compared to its first Original closure.

It has already launched in the Latin American market with brands such as G Active Water by Gatorade (Mexico), e-purita (México), Acqua Ciel (Peru), I9 by PowerAde (Brazil) and Agua Crystal (Brazil).

“We design dispensing systems to allow customers to benefit from a closure that uses less material and allow for recyclability,” said Jean-Marc Philbois, president, Global Market Development Beverage, Aptar.

“Aptar Light Original Range is 25% less weight than the Original closure. The Light Original is available in 1881 PCO 28mm and 30/25mm. While it is lighter, Light Original does not compromise the Original series performance.”

Sustainability has become an important part of the beverage industry. With the 1881 Light Original sport closure Aptar is making efforts to provide customers with additional options by designing a closure which is 25% less weight than the Original sports closure.

Corporate Sustainability Report

“Aptar is committed to preserving the environment and continuously invests in research and development to provide dispensers that improve the lives of millions of consumers, using renewable resources, material and energy,” added Philbois.

“Aptar 2016 Corporate Sustainability Report was released a few months ago and highlights Aptar’s ongoing commitment to people and the planet through its global sustainability initiatives and responsibly made products.

“In 2016, we conducted several trials on sustainable materials and in April 2017 we launched post-consumer recycled (PCR) stock closures in North America.”

Philbois added anticipating consumer’s demand is taking the firm to consider actively Smart Packaging development opportunities and the IoT (Internet of Things) in terms of safety, convenience and data collection which it will include in the development of its next generation of products.

“Anti-counterfeiting functionalities of the Food & Beverage closures is a growing trend globally that Aptar is focusing on. Aptar will unveil dispensing systems at drinktec, in Munich such as the sport cap generation with a visible and non-detachable tamper evident system,” he said.

Sport closure Avantage

The sport closure Avantage features a patented stay-with drop band which tethers the closure to the bottle. This prevents closure misplacement, encourages closure recycling, and allows the consumer to drink from the bottle neck.

It also features a “Press” button temper evidence system. Once opened, the press button has a permanent whitening effect which informs the user the product has been opened.

The closure is suitable for drinking on-the-go because of its one-handed opening and hygienic flip-top properties where the consumers’ hands do not touch the drinking spout.

According to Aptar’s 2016 sustainability report, flexible stand-up pouches are one of the fastest-growing formats in food and beverage packaging. The addition of a spout offers a convenient, resealable dispenser.

EZ Grip and EZ Twist, Aptar’s two spouted pouches introduced in 2016, feature an easy-open, easy-close child-friendly design, along with a tamper evidence system that indicates if the package has been opened or not.

Aptar will be exhibiting at drinktec, in Munich, Germany from September 11-15 in Hall 4 Stand 210.